Political/community experience: Colorado State Board of Education, 2000-2006; founded New American Charter School, 2004; founded Academy of Urban Learning, 2005; U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional District, 2008-present

Education: B.A., political science, Princeton University

Name a person you admire and explain why: My constituents -- like the scientist at CU racing to solve climate change; the student working hard to get an education; the new immigrant that is seeking a better life; and the single mother working two jobs to provide for her family.

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My constituents inspire me every day to work as hard as they do and to fight to expand opportunity and a chance at the American dream for all.

How do you plan to tackle the ongoing issue of high unemployment in Colorado and nationally? I'm working hard to re-ignite the American dream by creating jobs and expanding opportunity. To grow our economy and create jobs we need to invest in infrastructure, science, education while establishing a business environment where companies can grow. In order to succeed and move forward with these goals, we need to reform our tax code and reduce unnecessary spending and regulation. I've started several successful companies and created hundreds of jobs, so I understand the problems facing our small businesses. Congress needs to put partisan posturing aside and pass a long-term balanced budget. We must also establish a level playing field. It's hard for small businesses to compete against large corporations when they are playing by a different set of rules. In Congress, I've been fighting for tax reform to clear out the loop-holes in our tax code that benefit the few and manipulate the market to favor those with the best lobbyist.

What does Colorado's 2nd Congressional District most need in terms of help from Washington, D.C., whether that's funding or political assistance? Colorado needs real leadership from our elected officials in Washington to put partisanship aside to forge real solutions that will get our economy growing again, create jobs, restore fiscal integrity and strengthen our long-term investment in America's competitiveness. We need to replace our broken immigration system with one that works for our country, improve our schools and make college more affordable. Protecting our quality of life and the environment is also critical, so I support wilderness designations, support for trails and open space, and sensible regulations to prevent fracking from damaging our communities.

What bill would you introduce first if you are re-elected? I would introduce a bill to restore fiscal integrity to our country and provide the stability we need to increase confidence and grow our economy. To get companies hiring again, we need to achieve a balanced approach to eliminating our deficit and simplifying our tax code by eliminating special interest loopholes that cost jobs.

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